Darke & Taylor, an electrical and mechanical engineering firm based in Long Hanborough, Oxfordshire has transitioned to 100 per cent employee ownership model in a move to secure the long-term independence of the business.
In 1958, the founder John Darke started trading with one apprentice and in 1972, purchased Hill Upton & Co. Ltd, Oxford’s first Electrical Engineering company founded in 1890.
Simon Newton, managing director at Darke & Taylor, said: "When considering the long-term future of Darke & Taylor, we wanted to make sure that any decision we made recognised the hard work that our staff put into the business every day.
"It soon became clear that employee ownership was the best way to achieve this, and our employees can now benefit directly from the growth that they are driving."
Darke & Taylor designs, installs and maintains a variety of building services – including electrical, mechanical and energy – throughout the South East and London.
It helps main contractors and project managers to construct and refurbish buildings, as well as landlords, owners and tenants to manage and maintain them – across residential properties, commercial offices, educational establishments and science and technology labs.
Darke & Taylor was supported by FRP Corporate Finance, whose advisory team was led by partner James Cooper and director Matt Field, with support from assistant manager Lydia Kelsall.
James Cooper, partner at FRP Corporate Finance, said: "We're seeing more businesses turn to employee ownership as they look to reward the people who've put time and effort into their success, while also wanting to secure their long-term future.
"Darke & Taylor has established itself as a trusted building services partner, and this transition will empower its people to build on its growth history while retaining the passion and values that have made it the success it is."
Tracy Evans and Jordan Pace at EMW provided legal advice on the deal.
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